Have a look first. Maybe push a little? If the offspring doesn't immediately race off on his balance bike beaming with joy, cycling parents quickly become nervous. But if the offspring only sniff at their new bike critically at first, that's no reason to question their paternity. Toddlers conquer their play equipment with a healthy need for safety. So take it slowly. The balance bike is the ideal introduction to the world of two-wheelers for children. In addition to coordination, balance and responsiveness, it also promotes social processes. A balance bike invites children to play together and brings new vigour to a boring walk with their parents. The balance bike is also the perfect preparation for the upcoming bike ride. It has been proven that children who have practised riding a balance bike find it easier to ride a bike. In most cases, parents can even do without training wheels. Two or three laps and the kids will get the hang of it.
The balance bike should always correspond to the child's current stage of development. The manufacturer's age and size specifications are only partially reliable. It is more important that the stride length fits. When seated, children should be able to place both feet completely and securely on the floor with their knees slightly bent. No matter how tempting the cool flame design may be: If the balance bike doesn't suit the child, it will end up with a critical sniff.
Rose Noob
With the Noob, little speedsters from around two years of age can really get going. The high-quality frame with bearings is very reminiscent of a real bike, but also limits the adjustment options. Only the saddle height can be adjusted. The voluminous pneumatic tyres provide excellent cushioning and roll very smoothly. Parents had better keep their eyes open, otherwise their offspring will disappear round the corner in a flash.
Price 159 Euro
Weight 3.36 kg
Step length from approx. 37 cm
Age recommendation 2 to 5 years
Special features Saddle height adjustable; 12-inch Schwalbe Big Apple tyres; frame anodised in blue or green; handles and saddle available in black, red, pink or blue; saddle with practical recessed grip for carrying
S'Cool Pedex Race light
Thanks to the low entry and saddle that can be lowered a long way, the Pedex, which weighs just two kilos, gives kids a taste for balance bikes from an early age. The 12-inch solid rubber tyres are mounted on plastic rims and don't make the ride too fast. With their feet on the griptape-covered rear triangle, youngsters can also enjoy a leisurely roll.
Price 89 Euro
Weight 2.03 kg
Step length from approx. 32 cm
Age recommendation from 2 years
Special features Adjustable saddle and handlebar height; ball-bearing wheels; solid rubber tyres; plastic rims; neoprene protection on handlebars; low entry
Cruzee Superlight
Because the frame and add-on parts of the Superlight are made of aluminium, the extremely light Cruzee weighs almost two kilos. The plastic wheels have ball bearings and can be converted from solid rubber to pneumatic tyres. To make the investment worthwhile, the Cruzee grows with you for a long time. The saddle and handlebars can be generously adjusted. A longer seat post is also supplied.
Price 159,90 Euro
Weight 2.04 kg
Step length from approx. 29 cm
Age recommendation 18 months to 5 years
Special features Anodised aluminium frame and aluminium add-on parts; ball-bearing wheels with solid rubber tyres; pneumatic tyres possible; longer seat post included in scope of delivery
INTERVIEW WITH JOACHIM RAO (Head of Product Management at PUKY)
When is the right time for a balance bike?
Motor skills are crucial: Children must be steady on their feet and must not be afraid of riding a balance bike. Parents should never exert any pressure here. The child sets the pace. Otherwise, parents are often best placed to judge when it makes sense to offer a balance bike and use the recommended minimum stride lengths as a guide.
What role does weight play?
The balance bike should not only be light, but also stable and safe. A balance bike is often subjected to heavy loads and passed on to other children time and time again. Even after many years, neither the frame nor the fork should break.
Large or small wheels, solid rubber or pneumatic tyres - what can you recommend?
Smaller wheels allow for a compact design, which is particularly important for very small children. The larger the wheels, the better their rollover behaviour. Pneumatic tyres are comfortable, absorb shocks and have a lower rolling resistance. Soft comfort tyres are lighter and maintenance-free, but usually roll less smoothly.
Does a balance bike need brakes?
At the age of approx. 2.5 years, children are usually not yet able to operate a brake safely due to their motor skills. A brake therefore does not automatically mean additional safety.
Children grow quickly, does the balance bike grow with them?
To ensure that the balance bike can be ridden for a long time, it should not only be possible to adjust the saddle height, but also the handlebar height. If these cannot grow ergonomically, young riders often do not feel comfortable on their bike.
Would you buy a second-hand balance bike?
In our experience, many balance bikes are ridden by several generations of children in succession and - with reasonably good care - are still safe and stable even after many years. We very much welcome this trend against a throw-away mentality.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 9/2018 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
